Passports and Visas
Don’t forget that you will have to have a passport to enter Canada from the United States. Although there was a time when that was not the case, unfortunately other forms of identification will not suffice to cross the border. Getting a passport takes at least a few weeks depending on where you live, so don’t delay if you don’t yet have a valid passport.
Americans do not need a visa, only a passport, to enter Canada. Residents of other countries who want to participate in the Binational Convention will possibly need a visa depending on where they live. The Canadian government’s website lists the requirements to enter Canada from other countries.
The government of Canada also has a list of reminders for those who plan to enter the country..
Flying to Toronto
Toronto is served by two airports: Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ). Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) is another popular choice for Torontonians who fly to and from the United States.
Toronto Pearson
Toronto Pears is the biggest and busiest airport in the country and offers the most choices of flights from cities around the world.
“Toronto” Pearson is in fact located outside of the city of Toronto, although you can easily reach the city centre by the Union Pearson Express train. The TTC (public transportation) also offers buses that transport travellers into the city.
Billy Bishop
Billy Bishop is a smaller airport which is located on Toronto Island next to downtown Toronto. It primarily serves cities on the east coast of Canada and the US.
For those who can fly there, it is a convenient choice because you will fly directly into downtown. The airport is connected to Toronto by a free ferry, but also a walking path. The ferry trip between the airport and the city lasts only 90 seconds (the trip is only 121 metres long) and offers a beautiful view of the city. It is also worth noting that the ferry only uses electric energy!
Buffalo
Flying to Buffalo then driving to Toronto is probably the least convenient option, but it can sometimes be the cheapest as you are not paying for an international flight. The trip by car between Buffalo and Toronto can last approximately 2-3 hours depending on the traffic.
There are also two low-cost buses, Flixbus and Megabus, which run between the Buffalo airport and Toronto.
Driving to Toronto
From the US
There are several border crossing you can enter Canada from by car. From New York State, you will probably cross the border at either Fort Erie, Niagara Falls, or Lewiston. From Michigan you will likely cross at either Detroit or Port Huron.
The government of Canada sends notifications about delays at all the land border crossings, although most smartphone map apps will already direct users to the fastest border crossing depending on traffic, delays, accidents, etc.
Taking the train to Toronto
From the US
The “Maple Leaf Train” is an Amtrak train which runs everyday between New York City and Toronto with stops in Albany, Syracuse, Niagara Falls, and several other smaller cities. The full trip lasts approximately 12 and a half hours.
Within Canada
There are a few VIA Rail trains which go to Toronto from a few other major cities in Ontario and Québec. It is possible to take a train from Ottawa, London, and Montreal al Toronto.